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Basketball

Age to start:

Children can begin to participate in basketball through Mini Ball, a game designed for children as young as five to learn basic skills and enjoy basketball in a fun and safe environment. The program is targeted towards children of primary school age.

Age groups at most local domestic clubs start at the under 8 level. Children as young as six can begin playing competitive basketball in a team environment.

Rules of the game:

The basic rules of basketball are;

• Each team has five players on the court at each time with substitutes waiting on the bench.
• The object of the game is to shoot the ball through the basket and outscore the opposing team. A regular field goal is worth two points, with a foul shot being awarded one point and a three-pointer being worth three points.
• Basketball is a non-contact sport so opposing players must defend their basket without making contact with an opposition player. Defenders must steal the ball or pressure opponents into missing their field goal attempt so as to rebound the ball and gain possession.

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